Aussie's football favourites
James Offer is an Australian living in London and he was determined to see his country play at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, here's the story of his memorabilia.
2006 was Australia's first World Cup appearance since the 1974 World Cup - also in Germany (well, West Germany back then).
Unfortunately, I missed out on tickets for Australian matches, but in the last few weeks before the tournament I managed to get tickets to Angola vs Iran in Leipzig. At least there was some Aussie representation on the pitch, because the referee was Australian.
The 1-1 draw, wasn't quite the game of the tournament but a World Cup match is a World Cup match, and even though I was there as a neutral, it was hard not to be infected by the incredible vibe and atmosphere in the staduim.
Incidentally, knowing what a big football fan I am, my mother sent me a set of Australian stamps issued to commemorate Australia's qualification.